Debt Negotiation: Claims and Risks

Also called "debt settlement companies," DNPs often are set up as nonprofits (though some state laws have tightened requirements for debt service companies). The organizations claim to be able to cut a consumer's original debt load by around half, through negotiations with the creditors. Fees can be quite steep for a DNP, often topped off with a final bill based on a percentage of debt supposedly saved.

Most of them make claims that their services will not have a negative impact on your credit score or ability to get future credit. But all too often, debt negotiation programs leave debtors with either additional debt or the ill effects of a poor credit profile.

Since most creditors don't settle debts until they are several months overdue, many of the settlements come with strings attached: late fees, higher interest rates, and delinquency notices, which will damage your credit. Also, not making your monthly payments could lead to lawsuits, wage garnishment, or liens put on your home by creditors. Creditors, in turn, will likely report negative information to credit reporting agencies (resulting in an even lower credit rating). The amount of debt saved through debt negotiation could even be considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Not all DNPs are shady, but consumers really need to understand what they're getting into if they choose this option. Consider speaking with a bankruptcy attorney if you have additional questions.

State Laws and the UDMSA

Many states have passed laws regulating DNPs to varying degrees, while some of them (including Colorado, Nevada, and Tennessee) have adopted the Uniform Debt-Management Services Act (UDMSA). The Act includes (but is not limited to) the following provisions:

Requirement to register as a consumer debt-management service: Full disclosure of DNP terms and financial condition; an insurance policy against fraud and theft; and annual renewal requirement.

Disclosures to debtors: Fees; services; potential risks and benefits of the agreement.

Counseling: Credit counseling services must be provided by either a certified credit counselor or a certified debt specialist (different states may use different titles) before entering into a DNP contract.

Debtor must have a three-day right of rescission (grace period for canceling the contract).

Payments earmarked for creditors must be kept in a trust account.

Red Flags

Debt negotiation programs that do any of the following should be avoided at all costs:

Guarantee removal of all unsecured debt

Promise that unsecured debts can be paid off for a tiny fraction ("pennies on the dollar") of the actual debt

Claim that their program will save you from filing for bankruptcy

Charge high monthly fees

Charge for a percentage of your supposed debt savings

Ask you to cease all communication and stop making payments to creditors

Claim that creditors do not (or hardly ever) sue debtors for stoppage of monthly payments

Make sure you fully understand the terms of your contract before signing onto a debt negotiation program, and consider checking it out with your state's Attorney General. There are numerous options for debt relief, so choose wisely.